William T. (Billy) Graham, Jr. passed from this life on August 27, 2016 at home after an extended illness.

He was born at Mimbres Hot Springs on December 28, 1930 and was delivered by his maternal grandfather, Dr. R. F. Stovall.

He grew up on the family ranch on the Mimbres River where he loved to ride from a very young age.

His parents were William (Bill) and Reina Graham. Billy went to school in San Juan, then Santa Rita and then Silver City where he boarded with Mrs. Setzler during his 8th and 9th grades. He then moved to Roswell, where he attended New Mexico Military Institute from 1947 to 1952. While attending NMMI he played polo, representing the institute across the United States, including Madison Square Garden in New York and Mexico City, Mexico. He graduated Junior College from NMMI and was drafted into the Army in 1953 and served two years at Ellsworth Military Base in South Dakota. After leaving the military he came back to the family ranch where he met and on August 16, 1957, married Beth Glenn. Billy adopted her children James (Bub) Graham and Victoria (Vickie) Graham. He attended New Mexico State University for a short while. In 1958 he moved back to Grant County where he worked for area ranches and completed his family with the birth of his youngest son, John (Bill) Graham. In March of 1966 Billy moved his family to his in-laws ranch in Hurley and began working for Kennecott Copper Corporation in the Smelter. Billy retired in 1985, and lived on the ranch until his death.

He was a 4-H leader and a Grant County Fair board member for many years. He was a member of the Kiwanis, the Elks Club and on a bowling league in Hurley. Billy served Farm Bureau as President as well as a member of many committees.

Billy had many friends and a large family that will miss him dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beth Graham of the home; his daughter, Vickie McCauley and husband Joe of Silver City; son, Bub Graham and wife Gail of Silver City; and son, Bill Graham and wife Lisa of Floyd, NM. Grandchildren: Shaun McCauley and wife Annie of Tucumcari, Heidi Vermillion and husband Josh of Silver City; Ashley White and husband Tyler of Silver City; Autumn Roberson and husband John of Silver City; Brock Graham of Wamego, KS and Lauren Graham of Junction City, KS. Great Grandchildren: Lexie, Nolan and Riley Vermillion; Preston White and Wyatt Robertson. Sister-in-law, Jean Graham, her children Rick, Robin and Gail and their families. Sister-in-law Bobbie Turner and her daughter Lou Anna.

He was preceded in death by his parents William T. and Reina Graham and his brother, Richard Graham.

Cremation has been entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels. A memorial funeral service will be held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at Baca's Funeral Chapels in Silver City, NM. Serving as honorary pallbearers are all of his many friends and family.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask that donations be made to the Grant County Fair Board in Memory of Billy Graham.

Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels. Exclusive provider for "Veterans & Family Memorial Care". To sign the online guest book or to send a card, please visit our website at www.bacasfuneralchapels.com.

Hwy 180 East on Delk Dr., Silver City, NM 88062 - 575-388-2334